A beer rally for a cause, not just because

At first glance, House Bill 660 didn’t seem like much of a downtown issue. The bill calls for brewpubs — in San Antonio, they are Blue Star Brewing Co. and Freetail Brewing Co. — to be able to sell their suds at other bars, restaurants and stores.

Now, there are a handful of downtown restaurants and bars adventurous enough to put unique and/or local beer on tap. Off the top, I’m thinking of Luke (which clung onto S.A.-produced Ranger Creek real fast) and the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum (a big supporter of Blanco’s Real Ale). There was a time Leapin’ Lizard offered a BA selection (including perhaps my all-time favorite beer in Bridgeport IPA), and even The Ticket (once, the great Houston Street Ale House) will put something hearty on tap, occasionally.

Imagine if brewpubs were allowed to play alongside breweries local and national. Blue Star and Freetail, of course, but factor in brewpubs across Texas. What Texas brewpub would not want to hawk their sudsy product in Texas’ No. 1 and 2 tourist destination? I’m not envisioning a beer revolution in downtown S.A., but at the same time, it doesn’t hurt to have more options.

“HB 660 affords small business owners the chance to grow new jobs, contribute more to our local economy, all while giving consumers more access to great local brews,” State Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio, said in a written statement.

Why brewpubs can not serve their product beyond their doors — Texas’ three-tiered system for beer — was best explained in the Express-News article:

Texas adopted the system after Prohibition, and it’s intended to separate the roles of alcohol producers, distributors and retailers in the state.

BH 660 authors Freetail owner Scott Metzger, Blue Star owner Joey Villarreal and Representative Villarreal (the Villarreals are not related) will speak on the issue at the Rally for Texas Beer Freedom, 5:30-11 p.m. Friday at Main Plaza. Joey Villarreal, by the way, operates one of the kiosks at Main Plaza under the Blue Star name, but because of the current system, he can not sell his beer there.

Samples of brewpub beer from Austin and San Antonio will be served 5:30-6:30 p.m. Michael Martin & the Infidels will perform 7-11 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Texas Beer Freedom.